Clarification (sort of) On The Isles To Toulon Rumors

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Over the last few days rumors of Carlin Isles signing with Toulon have gained speed. Most of the rumors come from a report on a French website claiming that Isles has signed with the club but will get seasoning on loan in the Pro D2. However, when TIAR reached out for clarification on the issue we were told that it was an “old rumor.” The source also said that Isles would clarify his future “when the time is right.”

From the source’s statement it doesn’t appear that Isles is ruling out a move overseas but may be waiting for the right team and right time to make an announcement. At the same time, it also doesn’t leave out the possibility of staying with the U.S.A. 7’s program. Either way Isles is going to have to make some decisions soon regarding his future.

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There is no doubt that a player with the type of speed that Isles possesses is in high demand, but he is also still very much a project who has only a few minutes of experience in the 15-man game. Still, the idea of signing a professional contract overseas, even if it is to go on loan to a lower division team, is an upgrade from the stipend given to the players in residency at the OTC. With the salary cap recently raised in France, teams like Toulon will have even more room to take a flyer on a speedy winger. 

Of all the destinations overseas France seems like the most appropriate fit for Isles. He was previously rumored to be trialing at Leinster, which still may be a destination for him, but a move to Ireland comes with the headache of dealing with the tight rules regarding foreign players put forth by the IRFU. England would be a good choice but getting a work permit with no 15’s caps and no family tie to help get a passport makes that move difficult. In France he would be afforded the opportunity to get good minutes at a lower division and to contribute to the first team throughout the lengthy season.

A potential Isles departure would be a huge loss for the U.S.A. 7’s program, but without larger stipends, players are going to be continually tempted by overseas offers. If the U.S. wants to keep players at home they are going to need to come up with some more money. Still, an arrangement could be worked out with a team to share Isles and allow him to participate in some of the IRB Sevens Series events when his schedule allows.

Do you think Isles will stay with the 7’s team or do you think he is headed overseas?